Growth
Caution Advised On Airport Easements
GUEST OPINION BY Monty Mericle Our Boise City elected officials are playing a dangerous game trying to both encourage Boise Airport expansion while at the same time approving massive new subdivision development just south and west of the airport. The airport expansion includes bringing in F-15 and F-35 fighter jets that are 8 to 16 […]
Build It, But Don’t Let It Come
GUEST OPINION By STEVE HULME Idaho old-timers (and perhaps some not-so-old-timers) will recall that in 1995, an agreement was signed between the State of Idaho, the U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Department of Energy. The agreement was championed by then-Governor Phil Batt (Republican) and former Governor Cecil Andrus (Democrat), and ratified by a popular referendum […]
State Sells Tax-Exempt Businesses, Locals Regain $300,000 Annual Lost Revenues
At a public auction Friday the Idaho Land Board sold state-owned commercial real estate holdings in the Boise area valued at $17.3 million. Apart from the ethical issue of competing with private enterprise in tax-exempt government own structures, The GUARDIAN was concerned about the loss of local tax revenues. At the current combined rate for […]
CWI Bond Try Paid Big $$$ To Local Media
College of Western Idaho Paid $370,000 to consultants and local media outlets in the campaign to pass the $180 million bond which failed to pass November 8. The IDAHO FREEDOM FOUNDATION did a great job of tracking down the financial details which they revealed this week. The RECORDS request revealed a pattern of unseemly spending […]
Boise Council Knows Better Than Fed Experts
Once again Boise City Councilors have continued the policy of “we know better.” This time it is with the Government of the United States of America’s flood experts. Seems the Feds have redrawn the flood plain map along the Boise river to include additional acres of land subject to a “100 year flood.” That term […]
Boise Council Continues Urban Sprawl Policy
Boise City Councilors continued the policy of “urban sprawl” Tuesday night when they ignored dozens of citizen’s concerns and approved a massive 2,000 home development south of the airport. Syringa Valley–which has no syringas or valley–will be nearly adjacent to a planned third runway at the airport which is already subject of citizen outrage due […]
NO Means NO, Not Maybe, Or Later
The election of Donald Trump pointed out the fact politicos at all levels of government simply are ignoring the will of the people, hence the surprise victory. Some of these elected officials feel they are acting for the “greater good,” and voter/citizens just don’t know what they need. No doubt a many Dems feel that […]
Random Points To Ponder
Sorry for the lack of material of late, but the fire in my ample belly is not burning too hot. For the sake of discussion and hoping to stimulate some discussion I will offer points to ponder, admittedly not researched, but worth noting. –DAVE FRAZIER, editor ADA COUNTY–We have been informed that two former “operations […]
Drinkin’, Fightin’, Smokin’ and Uber Problems
We got a “please play nice” press release from Boise coppers and based on their own numbers it seems that smoking, drinking and Uber cars are keeping them in business in the “vibrant downtown” of what we seek to be the “most livable city in America.” We have previously noted that about 25% of ALL […]
Team Dave At Odds With ITD, ACHD Pros
Boise’s urban renewal agency, Capital City Development Corp., and Mayor Dave Bieter’s Team Dave are at odds with both state and county road agencies over how to operate the Front-Myrtle corridor in downtown Boise, according to Don Day’s BOISE DEV website. Day did some really good reporting as he explained how Bieter and crew continue […]
School Officials Need Educating
No one (other than growthophobes) wants to stand in the way of growth–often erroneously termed “progress.” However like cancer, the Treasure Valley is on the verge of growing itself to death. Meridian beams with pride at being the second largest city in the state. Meanwhile they also have the busiest intersection at Fairview and Eagle […]
Houses To Bloom In Dry Creek Area
The Ada County Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on October 6, 2016 to consider an amendment to a “planned community” application to build 1746 residential units its Northwest of Boise. Growthophobes will note the development is nearly eliminating any retail services which will, of course, increase traffic to the city. “Planned […]
BoiseDev Blog Hints At Stadium Deal
A new voice on the news/blogging scene is BoiseDev (elopement) operated by KTVB-7 refugee Don Day who ran the website for the TV station. His family has deep roots in Boise–family owns Vista Village and an uncle was once mayor. He recently posted a “Scoop” about Mayor Dave Bieter’s apparent behind-the-scenes efforts to build a […]
GBAD Brags About Denying Citizens Right To Vote
By DAVID R. FRAZIER, editor When the Greater Boise Auditorium District came up with its convoluted plan to expand the Boise Centre convention center without obtaining voter approval for their debt plan, I asked the board to hold an election as the Idaho Constitution requires. The board refused my request, so I sued them. With […]
CCDC Looking To Expand Influence
With the Central District set to expire in 2017, Boise’s urban renewal is looking for new fields to plow, this time on the Boise Bench according to DON DAY who has a website with details of lots of growth–much of it gleaned from building permit applications and planning and zoning meetings–Good stuff! While a group […]
Nampa Cuts “Empty Bus Subsidy”
Looks like Valley Regional Transit (Valley Ride bus) is taking a financial hit from the City of Nampa based on recent council action. Nampa City Council, on a motion by Councilor Bruce Skaug, voted to reduce the public transit dues to Valley Ride. Last year, the City of Nampa subsidized Valley Ride with two checks. […]
Tracking Boise’s Mayor
It has been admittedly slow on the local news front, so here are a couple items for discussion . A reader sent this city council agenda item: “This was on the agenda for the June 7th, seems cryptic and Brent Coles like.” “David H. Bieter, Mayor’s Office, to attend meetings with potential city benefactor in […]
Crane? “We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Crane!”
In some professions you have to climb over your fellow workers to get to the top. Sometimes it takes teamwork to get to the top. We noticed a crew in downtown Boise Monday performing a well coordinated rise to the top of a new apartment under construction at 10th and Grove. It appeared they were […]
Group Opposes St. Luke’s Street Closure
The following guest opinion is written by a group calling itself “KEEP BOISE CONNECTED.” A spokesman for KBC asked to remain anonymous for fear of political retaliation. The opinions expressed are those of the group, many of whom are bicycle advocates. The enormous planned expansion of St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center in downtown Boise is […]
The Gravity Of Foothills Developments
You don’t have to be Isaac Newton to predict that water runs downhill with the force of gravity, often taking loose soil along with it. In recent history the Idaho Transportation Department learned the gravity/water/soil lesson on Horseshoe Bend Hill, forcing the relocation of Hwy 55 to its present location. Same issue caused massive rockslides […]
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